Sioux City LCS Deploys to 6th Fleet, marking First European Operations
The USS Sioux City, a Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, has commenced its inaugural deployment in U.S. 6th Fleet’s area, following years of delays due to technical issues. This deployment signifies an operational shift for the LCS program and highlights ongoing debates regarding the future of the Freedom-class vessels.
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The USS Sioux City has begun its deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet, marking the first operational presence of a Littoral Combat Ship in European waters. This deployment follows years of setbacks due to a classwide technical flaw identified in 2020 that prevented earlier missions.
Sioux City is equipped with two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters and is part of a specialized division focused on surface warfare. The Freedom-class LCS faced operational challenges on the East Coast, prompting delays until resolving critical equipment issues. The Navy aims to decommission all Freedom LCS hulls due to cost concerns, pending Congress's decision on future funding and defense policy.
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